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Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a suspected fake news peddler for allegedly spreading false reports about the abduction of students in the state.
The command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday. He identified the suspect as Uzebor Emmanuel, popularly known on social media as “Aza Woman”.
According to Ikoedem, the suspect falsely claimed in several social media posts that students of Green Park Academy, Aduwawa, and Western Boys’ College, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, had been kidnapped.
PRESS RELEASE
UPDATE ON FALSE REPORT OF ALLEGED KIDNAPPING OF STUDENTS AT ADUWAWA AND IKPOBA HILL, BENIN CITY
Further to the earlier press release issued by the Edo State Police Command regarding the false and misleading report of an alleged kidnapping of students at Green… pic.twitter.com/m0ngfjMZUV
— Edo State Police Command (@EdoPoliceNG) June 6, 2026
Preliminary investigations revealed that Emmanuel knowingly disseminated false information alleging that about six people had been abducted through various mini-transport buses operating in the state.
Credit: Edo State Police/X.
The suspect further claimed that some of the victims escaped from their abductors, while others secured their release after paying ransom. The allegations reportedly sparked panic and anxiety among residents.
Ikoedem said the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
He advised residents to verify information from credible sources before sharing it and to refrain from using social media platforms to spread falsehoods that could disrupt public peace and order.
The police spokesperson also warned against the dissemination of fake news, describing it as a serious offence with far-reaching consequences.
“Such actions can incite panic, disrupt public order, and divert security resources from genuine emergencies. The security of a state should never be jeopardised for views, engagement, online relevance, or any other form of social media gratification,” he said.
